Never work with children or animals may be a famous warning in television drama, but there are exceptions to this rule ? especially if an actor has the chance to kill off two of the scene-stealing species at the same time.

Cue gormless learner bus driver Claire, entering the Street behind the wheel of a single-decker just as stepson Josh charges into the road after that loping Great Dane Schmeichel, and we?re on a collision course to disaster.

?Now she?ll be comin? down there,? Ashley excitedly tells Josh, as they first go out to wave at Claire passing by. ?An? what are we gunna do when we see ?er??

Run like hell, would be best?

In a scene that owes a debt to ?70s sitcom On The Buses, Claire looks and behaves like that useless article Olive. Peering intently through her trademark glasses, and with her white knuckles tightly gripping the steering wheel, she comes to a squealing halt with a loud bump.

While the toddler is snatched to safety, could this be the second canine death in Soapland following the ?murder? of Sadie?s demon dog Damon in Emmerdale last week? The damage is extensive. But the dents in the bus can be beaten out. Schmeichel isn?t so fortunate.

?You didn?t think about ?im, didja?? Chesney wails, cradling his best friend under the bus. ?He?s dead now ? an? you killed ?im!?

But if the hound is gleefully dreaming of a Best Exit award, he?s to be disappointed as the skills of a local veterinary surgeon are put to the test. And the trauma turns into a hilarious clash between Cod-Cilla and Claire, who sorrowfully claims: ?It all ?appened so quick. I did me best??